A post on the ManiaPlanet Forums from Nadeo explains they are not planning a retail version of TrackMania 2: Canyon, saying: "There is no box version scheduled right now." A separate post from Nadeo explains that their racing sequel will also not be released through Steam initially, though it may come to Valve's online service at a future time. Explaining that the game's use of the ManiaPlanet portal may be redundant with Steam, they refer to the possibility that users might have to buy a second copy of the game to achieve Steam integration in explaining that they don't envision making a decision on this until sometime next year: "So, if you really want it on Steam, I can suggest to wait of either see a change in their policy, so you can feel secure to buy it outside of it today or to wait to see if we go on it and all I can say to help is that if it happens, it is very likely to be next year." Meanwhile, if you are interested in the game's multiplayer economy, This post explains more of the "planets" that replace the "coppers" from previous TrackMania game, outlining how you can earn and spend them.

To wrap-up this info flood, as noted on the ManiaPlanet Forums, the embargo has been lifted from TrackMania 2: Canyon beta testers, who are now permitted to release opinions about the multiplayer beta test. Testers are also now allowed to post media, as can be seen in this thread, where there are loads of screenshots and YouTube videos of the game in action. Finally, the ManiaNews YouTube Channel now offers no fewer than eight video interviews discussing the game with Nadeo CEO Florent Castelnerac. Thanks TM XASECO developer Frans.

I think the naming confusion was just a matter of the series slowly evolving from the time before digital distribution even existed, to its early beginning, to the point where it took full advantage of the ad-supported model and beyond.

But honestly, the confusion only exists for someone who actually wants to research it. To someone new to the series, all they'd see today is Nations - the free game - and United - the full game that includes everything from all the earlier versions and a lot more.

"Forever" is just the enhanced edition that replaced the similarly-titled game, and Sunrise is the prequel that doesn't matter anymore since United contained everything it had and more.